Size 6 to 8.5 mm. A rather long grey looking fly with black patches on its abdomen and with black tarsi.

It is a characteristic species of dead wood habitats and most often seen on the trunks of trees.

May to August.

The larvae are found in rot holes and under bark of dead trees and in leaf litter.

This is an uncommon species found in the south of England up to Yorkshire.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.  The Sapcote record of 30th August 2009 is believed to be the first for VC55.